Fodor's Expert Review Mystic River Resort

Operated by a French-American couple, this jungle resort on the Macal River is a step up in luxury, service, and dining from other run-of-the-mill lodges in the area. With lofted ceilings and tile floors, bathrooms with glass-block shower walls, and stylish furnishings, Mystic River's 15 cottages (four with plunge pools) may lure you to lounge in your room or at the pool instead of going on one of the jungle adventures offered by the resort.  On cooler winter evenings, you can relax in your king bed, and watch a crackling fire in the stone fireplace. At the lodge's restaurant, La Ranita (The Little Frog), in a high-ceiling, thatched palapa set about 100 feet above the river, the chef serves an eclectic menu of Belizean and other dishes. The French co-owner/manager also keeps 40 milk goats and makes her own cheeses.